Chemicals Released on Striking Teamsters at Airgas

https://teamster.org/2025/07/chemicals-released-on-striking-teamsters-at-airgas/

Gas Released at Two Separate Locations, Teamsters Question Motives

Press Contact: Maura Drumm Phone: (215) 510-3735 Email: MDrumm@teamster.org

(WASHINGTON) – Last week, Airgas released unidentified chemical agents on striking Teamsters at multiple locations nationwide. The incidents, which occurred at facilities in both Illinois and New Jersey, were potentially deliberate and coordinated attacks meant to intimidate, threaten, and harm workers exercising their federally protected rights.

“One incident might be an accident, but two, in different states, is hard to believe,” said Juan Campos, Director of the Teamsters Tankhaul Division and Teamsters International Vice President At-Large. “Airgas knew exactly what it was doing. This looks like a targeted attack on workers standing up for their rights, and we’re going to make damn sure they’re held accountable.”

Teamsters Local 701 immediately contacted law enforcement, and detectives responded to investigate at the employer’s facility. In the subsequent days, hazmat units were dispatched to investigate further. The Teamsters will pursue every available legal avenue to uncover the truth and hold this corrupt, dangerous company accountable.

“I find it extremely difficult to believe that such an incident occurred in two separate locations,” said Ron Lake, President of Teamsters Local 701. “This company endangered the lives of our members, and it looks deliberate. We must uncover the truth about what occurred and hold those responsible accountable for their reckless actions.”

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